Step One is how to search on the BLM site for a homestead application. This is a marvelous index.
Step Two is how to find the latitude and longitude for the property and locate it on Google Maps.
Step Three is how to find the patent on the Utah State BLM site as well as the Master Title Plat.
Case Study:
This case study is for John McCormick Wiser who was an original settler in Alpine but left by 1860 for Cache County. Tracing an ancestor from each place they lived adds immensely to a history. Land records are vital to tracking migration.
Step One How to search on the BLM site for a homestead application
Utah is a Federal Land State. For every ancestor who lived in Utah it is wise to search for a homestead application. If they owned property they could have owned a federal homestead grant and/or county lands. This post is about finding federal land records. Go to this website: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/.
Click "Search Documents" and search fields will display.
One John M. Wiser is listed in the results. Click on him and the following page will appear:
The patent number is listed as the Document Nr: 655; the Township (Twp) and Range (Rng) are listed as 14 N and 1 E. His land is in Section 5. He received 160 acres in Cache County. Notice what the meridian is.
To Learn More about Homesteads and Federal Public Land systems check out the following webinars that are free online:
U.S. Measurement and Distribution of Public Land States [click here]
Homestead Records [click here]
Sections, Ranges, and Townships [click here]
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